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SPECIFICTION
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VTube Studio

denchisoft.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSiOSAndroidAPI
Visit denchisoft.com
Spec score 8.7 #3 of 25 in VTuber Software

What it is

VTube Studio is an app for Virtual YouTubers to animate Live2D models. It runs on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, with face tracking through a webcam or iPhone, including eye tracking and winking. Webcam-based hand and gesture tracking can activate expressions and animations. Scene controls include hotkeys, microphone lip sync, animated PNG props, and visual post-processing effects. Users can attach images, animations, and customizable Live2D props to a model, with tracking and hotkeys available for control. Twitch integration lets viewers trigger hotkeys through emotes, redeems, subscriptions, and chat commands. Developers can use the VTube Studio API to make plugins that control models or trigger animations and expressions. VNet lets Steam friends collaborate on Windows and macOS, with up to six people per session; it requires launching through Steam and the separate $19.99 VNet DLC. The free Steam app shows a webcam-tracking watermark; removing it costs $14.99 once. iOS requires Face ID or an Apple A12 or newer chip, and Android requires Google ARCore support.

Spec sheet

What it does
VTube Studio uses a smartphone or webcam to track a user's face and animate a Live2D Cubism model.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Purpose
VTube Studio is an app for Virtual YouTubers to bring their Live2D models to life.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Privacy
The maker says the apps do not collect user information and that app data, models, images, videos, and face-tracking data are not shared; iOS tracking data can be sent to an IP on the user's local network when enabled.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Support
Support is provided through Discord, email and the documentation site.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Headquarters
Karlsruhe, GermanyRead 28 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Animations
Hotkeys can trigger animations and expression changes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
API protocol
The API uses a local WebSocket server at ws://localhost:8001 by default, with a configurable port.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Business licensing
Companies with prior fiscal-year income above US$200,000 require a company license, and the maker asks for quote requests by email.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Collaboration
VNet allows Steam friends to collaborate inside VTube Studio and requires its Steam DLC; it supports Windows and macOS.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Commercial use
The EULA allows an individual to use VTube Studio commercially without buying PRO or DLC, subject to its terms.Read 15 Oct 2026 · denchisoft.com
Company licensing
Companies with prior-year income above $200,000 require a company licence and must contact DenchiSoft for a quote.Read 15 Oct 2026 · denchisoft.com
Custom parameters
Plugins can create custom tracking parameters and inject values from hardware or software controllers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Device requirements
iOS requires Face ID or an Apple A12 or newer chip, while Android requires a phone that supports Google ARCore.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Documentation
The manual includes setup, model loading, OBS recording, tracking, troubleshooting, settings, API and plugin pages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Face tracking
The product provides webcam face tracking powered by OpenSeeFace and mobile tracking through iOS or Android.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Hand tracking
It supports webcam-based hand and gesture tracking to activate expressions and animations.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Item system
Users can pin PNG items to a model so the items move with it.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Licence
The application is distributed under a DenchiSoft EULA and is officially licensed to use the Live2D Cubism SDK.Read 15 Oct 2026 · denchisoft.com
Limit: Android model importing
A Google Play reviewer reported that model importing failed on Google Pixel 9 devices because Android storage restrictions blocked folder creation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Limit: Android tracking
Google Play warns that Android tracking is not as good as the iPhone/iPad version.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Limit: configuration complexity
A Google Play reviewer criticized the menu structure and surrounding configuration as difficult to fine-tune.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Limit: mobile advertisements
A Google Play reviewer complained about advertising and having only three emotes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Lip sync
Audio-based mouth tracking is supported when a microphone is available.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Maker headquarters
The official imprint gives Luise-Riegger-Str. 54, 76137 Karlsruhe, Germany as the business address.Read 15 Oct 2026 · denchisoft.com
Maker legal identity
The official imprint identifies Vincent Diener as a sole proprietor trading as DenchiSoft.Read 15 Oct 2026 · denchisoft.com
Maker profile
Steam describes DenchiSoft as an indie developer from Germany.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Mobile requirements
iOS tracking supports Face ID devices or Apple A12-and-newer devices; Android requires a recent compatible device.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mobile-to-desktop
The phone can stream face-tracking data over the local network to the Windows or macOS application.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Model format
The application supports Live2D models but does not support VRoid or VRM models.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Model transforms
Hotkeys can move, resize and rotate the model.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Parameter mapping
Tracking parameters can be mapped to any Live2D parameter.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Plugin commercial terms
Developers may publish and sell plugins without royalties or licensing payments to DenchiSoft.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plugin permissions
Plugins must request user permission before controlling VTube Studio, and permissions can be revoked.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plugins and API
The VTube Studio API lets developers create and distribute plugins that can trigger animations or expressions and control models.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Praise: ease of importing
The same reviewer said model importing took two clicks.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Praise: tracking and connectivity
A Google Play reviewer praised stable wireless streaming to Windows and good-to-very-good tracking.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Props
Users can import and attach images, animations, and customizable Live2D props to a model, with tracking and hotkeys.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Public API
VTube Studio exposes a public API that can trigger hotkeys, inject tracking data, load items and models, send event notifications and tint ArtMeshes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Rating on Apple App Store
4.6 out of 5 from 2.6K ratings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Google Play
3.3 out of 5 from 10,800 reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Rating on Steam
92% positive from 3,476 English reviews; recent reviews are 96% positive from 109 reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Release date
Steam lists the release date as March 12, 2021.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Scene controls
Features include hotkeys, microphone lip sync, animated PNG props, and post-processing visual effects.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
SDKs and libraries
The project lists JavaScript, C#, Rust, Python, Java and Node-RED libraries implementing or integrating with its WebSocket API.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security statement
The Apple listing says the developer reports that the app collects no data.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Security statement on Android
Google Play reports that the developer says no data is collected or shared with third parties.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Streaming integrations
The product works with OBS, Streamlabs and other streaming software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
System requirements macOS
Steam lists macOS Catalina 10.15.7, an Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 2 GB VRAM and 3 GB storage as minimums.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
System requirements Windows
Steam lists Windows 7 64-bit, a 1.8 GHz AMD or Intel CPU, 4 GB RAM, DirectX 11 graphics with 2 GB dedicated VRAM and 3 GB storage as minimums.Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Twitch
Twitch integration lets viewers use emotes and trigger hotkeys through redeems, subscriptions, and chat commands.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
VNet limit
The manual states that VNet supports up to six people per collaboration session and requires starting VTube Studio through Steam.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
VNet security
The EULA says VNet assets are encrypted and shared with participants in memory, but participants could use specialized tools to copy shared files and DenchiSoft cannot decrypt them.Read 29 Sep 2026 · denchisoft.com
Webcam guidance
The manual recommends 1280x720 or higher and 15–30 FPS for good eye and blink tracking.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free Live2D model support · Webcam tracking · Smartphone tracking · Voice-based lip-sync Read 20 Sep 2026 · store.steampowered.com
VTube Studio (Steam) Free Free app; webcam tracking shows a watermark Read 29 Sep 2026 · store.steampowered.com
VTube Studio Steam Free Webcam tracking displays a watermark · Live2D models only Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
Remove Watermark DLC $14.99, paid once Removes webcam-tracking watermark Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
VTube Studio - Remove Watermark (Steam DLC) $14.99, paid once Removes watermark shown during webcam face tracking Read 29 Sep 2026 · store.steampowered.com
VNet Multiplayer Collab DLC $19.99, paid once Adds VNet multiplayer collaboration Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
VTube Studio - VNet Multiplayer Collab (Steam DLC) $19.99, paid once Paid DLC; online collaboration for Windows and macOS Read 29 Sep 2026 · store.steampowered.com

Every VTube Studio plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports webcam and iPhone face tracking.
  • Webcam hand tracking can activate expressions and animations.
  • Twitch viewers can trigger hotkeys.
  • API supports third-party plugins.
  • Free app includes webcam and smartphone tracking.

Limits

  • Webcam tracking shows a watermark in the free Steam app.
  • Watermark removal costs $14.99 once.
  • VNet requires Steam and a separate $19.99 DLC.
  • iOS and Android have specified device requirements.

Who it suits

VTube Studio suits Virtual YouTubers who want to animate Live2D models with face or hand tracking. It also supports developers building plugins and Steam friends collaborating through VNet.

VTube Studio in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

VTube Studio is a Live2D performance app for virtual creators whose character work depends on a 2D model. Its strongest case is the combination of tracking, scene control and audience interaction; creators who do not use Live2D should look elsewhere.

It is available on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, but the mobile tracking options have device requirements, and webcam tracking on Steam's free app carries a watermark.

Key features

Tracking and control

Webcam or iPhone face tracking includes eye movement and winking, while webcam-based hand and gesture tracking can trigger expressions and animations. That gives creators several ways to animate a model without relying only on hotkeys. Microphone lip-sync, hotkeys, a virtual camera and recording round out the core production controls.

Users can attach imported images, animations and customizable Live2D props to a model, controlling them with tracking or hotkeys. Animated PNG props and post-processing effects offer useful scene variation, though the workflow remains centered on Live2D rather than a general-purpose avatar format.

Audience features, plugins and collaboration

Twitch viewers can use emotes and trigger hotkeys through redeems, subscriptions and chat commands, making the app a fit for streams built around audience participation. Developers can use the API to distribute plugins that control models or trigger expressions and animations.

VNet lets Steam friends collaborate in a session of up to six people. It requires launching VTube Studio through Steam and buying its DLC, and is limited to Windows and macOS. Shared assets are encrypted and sent to participants in memory, but a participant could use specialized tools to copy shared files; DenchiSoft says it cannot decrypt them.

Pricing

The free plans include Live2D model support, webcam and smartphone tracking, and voice-based lip-sync. The Steam app is also free, but webcam face tracking displays a watermark. That makes the free tier a practical way to start, provided the watermark is acceptable.

Free: free. Includes Live2D model support, webcam tracking, smartphone tracking and voice-based lip-sync.

VTube Studio (Steam): free. Free app; webcam tracking shows a watermark.

VTube Studio - Remove Watermark (Steam DLC): $14.99, paid once. Removes the watermark shown during webcam face tracking.

VTube Studio - VNet Multiplayer Collab (Steam DLC): $19.99, paid once. Adds online collaboration for Windows and macOS.

The watermark removal and collaboration add-ons are separate one-time purchases, so a creator wanting both should account for both costs. Companies with prior fiscal-year income above US$200,000 require a company license; the maker requests quote enquiries by email. There is no free trial. Help is directed to the community Discord and official documentation, and technical support is not guaranteed by the license.

Platforms

VTube Studio supports Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. iOS tracking requires Face ID or an Apple A12 chip or newer; Android requires a phone that supports Google ARCore. VNet collaboration is confined to Windows and macOS and requires Steam.

DenchiSoft says the apps do not collect user information and that app data, models, images, videos and face-tracking data are not shared. When enabled, iOS tracking data can be sent to an IP address on the user's local network.

Who it's for

VTube Studio suits individual Live2D creators who want tracking choices, prop control and stream interactions in one app, and communities that want to build extensions through its API. It is less suitable for creators needing VNet on mobile or Android, or those whose devices do not meet the tracking requirements. Businesses above the income threshold also need to budget for a company license.

Pros and cons

Pro: Webcam and iPhone face tracking, plus webcam hand gestures, offer multiple ways to drive expressions and animation.

Pro: Twitch triggers, customizable props and a plugin API support audience interaction and creator-built extensions.

Con: Webcam tracking in the free Steam app has a watermark; removing it costs $14.99, paid once.

Con: VNet costs extra, supports only Windows and macOS, and shared files may be copied by participants with specialized tools.

Con: Mobile tracking depends on specific hardware support, which can rule out otherwise compatible phones.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, see VTuber Software and 2D Character Animation Software.

Animaze is worth considering if its free items or $3.99 a month Plus plan, which removes the watermark and adds original content and 60 FPS streaming, better match your priorities.

XR Animator is a free alternative for readers who want platform coverage including Linux and web.

Webcam Motion Capture offers a free plan with all tracking features available to try, and prepaid 90- or 360-day options for those who prefer non-recurring access.

nizima LIVE has a free plan with a 40-minute continuous camera-use limit and a displayed logo, which may suit short sessions.

veadotube is a free alternative with Linux support and an optional monthly early-access tier.

PNGTuber Plus is free, accepts optional support payments and focuses on PNG avatar customization and sprite sheets.

VRL Cam is an iOS-only free app with all features included for personal and non-commercial use, plus individual creators below US $100,000 annual gross revenue.

vTuber Kit is another free option for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Verdict

Choose VTube Studio if you are building a Live2D streaming setup and value flexible tracking, viewer-triggered controls and plugin support. Its free entry point is useful, but the webcam watermark and separate VNet charge are meaningful costs; creators who need collaboration across platforms or do not work with Live2D should choose another tool.

Verdict

VTube Studio combines Live2D animation with tracking, scene controls, Twitch integration, and plugin support. Check device requirements and the separate costs for watermark removal or VNet collaboration.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to VTube StudioAll alternatives →